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GAME OF CHANCE

Martin Jol was again left to rue missed chances as we suffered a 3-0 Premiership reverse against Liverpool at Anfield.

Martin Jol was again left to rue missed chances as we suffered a 3-0 Premiership reverse against Liverpool at Anfield.

Saturday's early afternoon kick-off was in the balance as it entered what turned out to be the key minute of the game just after the hour.

It started with a golden chance for Jermaine Jenas to hand us the lead. Jermain Defoe sent Edgar Davids away down the left, he reached the byline and squared for JJ sliding in, it only needed a firm touch in front of goal but somehow he didn't get enough on it and the ball dribbled agonisingly wide.

Liverpool went straight up the other end, Steven Gerrard beat Benoit Assou-Ekotto down the right and crossed low for Craig Bellamy who inexplicably hit the post from three yards - luckily for him, the ball rebounded for Mark Gonzalez to drill home.

Goals followed from Dirk Kuyt and John Arne Riise but it might have been a different story if JJ or Ledley King - who missed a free header in front of goal in the first half - had struck first for us.

A naturally disappointed Martin said at Anfield: "In the first 60 minutes, especially the first half, I thought we did ever so well.

"The goal was a disastrous moment for us. I don't remember seeing two phases of play inside a minute like that where we should have scored and then the ball is in our net.

"After that we had to open up, we had to go forward and there was so much space for Liverpool, they looked a good team in the last 10, 15 minutes.

"It's not easy against Liverpool at Anfield but it was the same story against Manchester United, we should have scored a goal and then we might have got a result.

"It was such a shame for the supporters because they were there in so many numbers again and they kept supporting us. We have to pick ourselves up, they will stay behind us and help us through."